The picturesque seaside resort of Båstad, in the Skåne region of southwestern Sweden, provided a memorable setting for the 2026 International Final of the Jeunes Sommeliers Competition. Bringing together 14 talented young sommeliers representing Bailliages across the world, the event celebrated professional excellence, international friendship and the exciting future of the sommelier profession.

Hosted at the Skansen Båstad Hotel, situated between the beach and harbour, the programme combined an educational exploration of Sweden’s developing wine industry with two demanding days of competition. The occasion also formed part of the Bailliage of Sweden’s Grand Chapitre, bringing together members and guests from around the world.

Wednesday, October 14th - Arrivals and a warm welcome
The programme began with the arrival of the competitors at the Skansen Båstad Hotel, where the international participants had the opportunity to meet fellow competitors and settle into their surroundings.

An opening Welcome Dinner - at Papas Restaurant a short walk from the Skansen Hotel - provided the first opportunity for everyone to come together in a relaxed and convivial atmosphere. Beyond the formal competition that lay ahead, these initial encounters were an important part of the Jeunes Sommeliers experience, encouraging friendships and professional relationships between young hospitality specialists from different countries and cultures.

Thursday, October 15th - Discovering Skåne’s wine country
An educational day trip introduced the participants to the wines, vineyards and distinctive character of northwestern Skåne.

NB. Please click this link to see the article specifically dedicated to reporting on the educational visits: Thursday's four winery visits

Meanwhile, the judges arrived during the day, completing the gathering ahead of the competitive stages. An evening dinner provided a further opportunity for the participants and organisers to meet before the intensity of the semi-final.

Friday, October 16th - The Semi-final
The competition moved into its decisive phase at the Skansen Båstad Hotel, where all 14 candidates faced the Semi-final.

Representing Australia, Belgium, Canada, Finland, Germany, Great Britain, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Norway, Portugal, Sweden, Türkiye and the United States, the competitors had earned their places through their respective national selection processes.

The Semi-final demanded a combination of technical expertise, theoretical knowledge, tasting ability and professional service skills. Such competitions require considerably more than familiarity with wine lists and grape varieties: competitors must demonstrate accuracy, composure, sound judgement and the ability to communicate their knowledge effectively under pressure.

The judges assessed the candidates throughout an intense day of challenges. Every participant had the opportunity to demonstrate the skills developed through professional training and experience, while the competition provided a valuable benchmark against some of the most promising young sommeliers in the world.

That evening, a Bjäre Peninsula themed buffet in Sands Restaurant at the Skansen Hotel, offered a welcome opportunity to relax following the demanding day’s work, although anticipation naturally grew as the finalists were to be announced the following morning.

Saturday, October 17th - The International Final
The atmosphere was one of excitement as the competitors assembled for the final day in the hotel’s Galleria exhibition hall.

Shortly after 9am, Head Judge Officier Maître Sommelier Yohann Jousselin announced the three candidates who had qualified for the International Final:
- Charlie Richards - Australia
- John Fuller - USA
- Junxing “James” Li - Canada

The announcement was greeted by enthusiastic applause from an audience of almost 100 Chaîne members and their guests. All 14 competitors paraded before the audience, recognising the achievements of everyone who had reached this international stage.

The three finalists then faced a further series of questions and practical challenges before the judges, testing their knowledge, judgement and ability to perform at the highest level. The final demanded not only technical proficiency but also confidence, precision and composure in front of an audience.

While the judges deliberated, members and guests were able to appreciate the talent and professionalism displayed by the young sommeliers. The competition demonstrated the Chaîne’s continuing commitment to developing the next generation of hospitality professionals and providing them with an international platform on which to excel.

Awards Presentation
The results were announced at approximately 6.30 pm Swedish time.

• John Fuller (USA) was crowned the Chaîne’s Best Young Sommelier for 2026, following an outstanding performance across the competition.
• Junxing “James” Li (Canada) secured the Runner-up spot after an impressive showing in the final.
• Charlie Richards (Australia) completed the podium taking Third Place, adding to his success with a further special distinction as the “Best Competitor Under 25”.

• Kamila Błaszczyk (Great Britain) received the “Tasting Trophy” - an additional award recognising excellence in this specific area of the competition:

Induction Ceremony and Gala Dinner
The awards formed part of an evening programme that also included the Induction Ceremony and Gala Dinner, bringing the competition and the wider Swedish Grand Chapitre celebrations together.

The formal ceremonies provided an opportunity to honour achievement, welcome members and celebrate the values of the Chaîne: fellowship, professional excellence and a shared passion for gastronomy.

A reception in the hotel’s Galleria preceded the dinner, providing a further opportunity for members, competitors, judges and guests to exchange congratulations and reflect on the day's events.

The Gala Dinner was planned around Swedish wines paired with artisan food from the region, showcasing the culinary identity of Skåne and reinforcing the educational theme that had run throughout the week.

The combination of the Awards Presentation, the Induction Ceremony and the Gala Dinner made for a fitting conclusion to a competition that celebrated both individual achievement and the international spirit of the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs.

A lasting investment in the future
The 2026 International Final in Båstad demonstrated the importance of the Jeunes Sommeliers Competition as a means of recognising, encouraging and developing young professional talent.

For the competitors, the experience extended well beyond the results. It offered the opportunity to test their skills against international peers, learn about an emerging wine region and establish relationships with colleagues who share the same commitment to excellence.

For the host Bailliage of Sweden, the occasion was also an opportunity to introduce international visitors to the wines, food and hospitality of Skåne. The integration of vineyard visits, competition activities and the Grand Chapitre created a programme that connected professional development with the wider cultural and gastronomic mission of the Chaîne.

The Chaîne extends its congratulations to the 14 competitors who represented their countries with distinction, especially to the 1-2-3, namely John Fuller, Junxing “James” Li and Charlie Richards.

Furthermore, there could not be a competition without a panel of judges. A big thank you was given to Head Judge Yohann Jousselin (Hong Kong) and his team of Tamás Czinki (Hungary), Yvo Erades (Netherlands) and Tina Johansson (Sweden)

Much appreciation is also due to Bailli Délégué Carl Wachtmeister (who is a Member of the Conseils d’Administration and Magistral) and his officers as well as to the host establishments whose contributions made the event possible.

Wempe Zeitmeister - our long-term sponsor
Last but certainly not least, the ongoing support of the Competition by Wempe Zeitmeister through providing a wristwatch as the star prize for the Winner.

Wempe watches are manufactured in Glashütte, Saxony, a town that epitomizes fine German watchmaking like no other. This heritage is a true guarantee of quality: precise movements, meticulous craftsmanship and a commitment to the highest standards. What all Zeitmeister watches have in common is their reliable technology. The self-winding models undergo chronometer testing ensuring certified accuracy. The quartz watches, which operate with precision and require little maintenance, are designed for maximum practicality in everyday use.

As the participants departed Båstad with new experiences and professional connections, the 2026 competition reaffirmed the value of investing in the next generation of sommeliers - ambassadors for wine, gastronomy and the traditions of hospitality that unite the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs around the world.

Andrew Jarrowson
Chaîne News Online Coordinator

Photos courtesy of Cecilia Wimmerstedt

Jeunes Sommeliers Competition Committee
• Marie Jones (Chair) - International Vice President, Member of the Conseils d’Administration and Magistral
• Philip Evins - Bailli Délégué of Great Britain, Member of the Conseil Magistral
• Greg Wallis - Argentier of USA, Member of the Conseil Magistral

Competitors (A-Z by Bailliage)
Australia - Charlie Richards
Belgium - Colin Lurot
Canada - Junxing “James” Li
Finland - Leila Karhunen
Germany - Tom Zink
Great Britain - Kamila Błaszczyk
Korea - Dahee Kang
Malaysia - Thong Way Chern
Mexico - Pablo Gutierrez Lezama
Norway - Robin Winje
Portugal - Tiago Franco
Sweden - Isak Kristian Lauridsen
Türkiye - Merve Biçak
USA - John Fuller

Panel of Judges
Yohann Jousselin MS (Head Judge) - Officier Maître Sommelier (Hong Kong)
Tamás Czinki MS - Maître Sommelier (Hungary)
Yvo Erades - Échanson Honoraire (Netherlands)
Tina Johansson - Maître Sommelier (Sweden)